Cabinet construction



CABINET CONSTRUCTION 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed June 14, 1966 w 2 w m m 4, j J mw r T E M fi a ma L111 3 \.n A o W |.|[|1:. H m 9 2 0 5 O 0 w v m l 2 2 2 2 l L l l m 3 T m M. M w H W i Q 5 W BY mm,

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Vxm FR hNm QQN mQN 1963 E. c STEWART CABINET CONSTRUCTION 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 \l Rn w ww fi vw A Rm QWN NQW WWW mum \WN\ mmN RN mm. wkw mww Filed June 14, 1966 United States Patent 3,410,622 CABINET CONSTRUCTION Edward C. Stewart, Aurora, 111., assignor to Lyon Metal Products Incorporated, Aurora, 11]., a corporation of Illinois Filed June 14, 1966, Ser. No. 557,527 24 Claims. (Cl. 312--295) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE The cabinet construction comprises a pair of forwardly extending side walls defining at the forward ends thereof a front opening, a front frame positioned at the forward ends of the side Walls, a track structure extending substantially the width of the front opening and providing inner and outer and center tracks, first and second and third sliding doors respectively slidably mounted on the associate tracks, first lock structure for securing the first door to one side of the front frame, second lock structure for securing the third door to the other side of the front frame, pick-up structure interconnecting the second door and the first and third doors to cause co-ordinated movement thereof, first baffie structure mounted in the inner track to prevent upward movement of the first door when the first door is in the locked position thereof, and second bafile structure mounted in the outer track to prevent upward movement of the third door when the third door is in the locked position thereof.

'improved lock structure and an improved sliding door assembly, the various parts being formed essentially of sheet metal and being simple in construction and economical in manufacture.

In summary, the cabinet construction incorporating the features of the invention comprises a body including a rear wall and a pair of forwardly projecting side walls defining at the forward ends thereof a front opening therebetween, a front frame positioned at the forward ends of the side walls and disposed therebetween and completely surrounding the front opening and respectively secured to the side walls, a sliding door assembly mounted on the front frame for closing the front opening and including a track structure slidingly supporting a plurality of doors thereon movable between closed positions and open positions thereof, and a pair of lock structures for respectively securing the end ones of the doors to the adjacent portions of the front frame when the doors are in the closed positions thereof, thus to secure all of the sliding doors in the closed positions thereof.

In a further aspect of the invention in connection with the foregoing, the lock structures include a lock cylinder mounted on the associated door and a latch extending outwardly therefrom, and the from frame comprises a U-shaped channel having a main wall disposed toward the doors and having openings therein for receiving the latches firmly to secure the doors in the closed positions thereof when the latches engage in the openings.

In a further respect of the invention in connection with in a cabinet construction having the improved lock structure noted, baffie brackets associated with the end doors and preventing removal thereof from the track structure when the end doors are in the closed positions thereof.

In a still further aspect of the invention, the cabinet has an improved sliding door assembly thereon comprising a track structure extending substantially the width of the associated cabinet opening and providing at least an inner track and an outer track, a first sliding door mounted on the inner track for sliding movement therealong and a second sliding door mounted on the outer track for sliding movement therealong, first lock structure mounted on the first door for engagement with a keeper on one side of the associated front cabinet frame to hold the first door in a locked position, second lock structure mounted on the second door for engagement With the keeper on the other side of the associated front frame to hold the second door in a locked position, the first door when disposed toward the other side of the front frame being shiftable upwardly in the inner track to clear the lower end of the first door from the track structure to permit ready removal and insertion of the first door therein, the second door when disposed toward the one side of the associated front frame being shiftable upwardly in the outer track to clear the lower end of the second door from the track structure to permit ready removal and insertion of the second door therein, first baffle structure mounted on the inner track and engaging the first door when the first door is adjacent to the one side of the associated front frame to prevent upward movement of the first door in the track structure when the first door is in the locked position thereof, and second bafile structure mounted on the outer track and engaging the second door when the second door is adjacent to the other side of the associated front frame to prevent upward movement of the second door with respect to the track structure thereby to hold the second door in the track structure when the second door is in the locked position therof.

In another aspect of the invention in connection with the foregoing aspect, there is provided an improved sliding door assembly wherein a center track is provided between the inner and outer tracks and carries another door, pick-up structure being provided to interconnect all of the doors to cause co-ordinated movement thereof, the pick-up structure serving to hold the door on the center track in the operative position and to prevent removal therof from the center track when the doors on the inner :and outer tracks are in the locked positions thereof.

In still another aspect of the invention there is provided a cabinet having an improved sliding door assembly therein of the type set forth wherein a first set of lubric glides is mounted on the bottom of each of the sliding doors for supporting the associated door upon the associated track, both the inner track and the outer track including a lower track member and an upper track member with the first bafile structure mounted in the inner upper track member and the second baffle structure mounted in the outer upper track member, and a second pair of glides is mounted on the top of each of the doors in the inner and outer tracks an in vertical alignment with the associated bafile structure when the associated door is in the locked position thereof.

Further features of the invention pertain to the particular arrangement and construction of the cabinet and lock FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the storage assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary view with certain portions broken away and illustrating the sliding door assembly forming a part of the cabinet in the storage assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a view in horizontal section along the line 4-4 thereof;

FIG. 5 is a view in horizontal section along the line 55 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a further enlarged view in horizontal section along the line 66 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a further enlarged view in vertical section along the line 77 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view in vertical section along the line 88 of FIG. 3; and

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view in vertical section along the line 9-9 of FIG. 3 and showing the door on the center track in position for insertion or removal therefrom.

Referring now particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings, there is illustrated a storage assembly or back bar 100 incorporating therein a cabinet or bookcase 200 having thereon lock structures and a sliding door assembly made in accordance with and embodying the principles of the present invention. The, storage assembly 100 more particularly includes a top 101 and a base 150 between which are disposed three storage units, a cabinet 160 provided with a swinging door, a pedestal 170 with four drawers therein, and the cabinet 200. Each of the storage units 160, 170 and 200 is firmly secured to the top 101 and is also firmly secured to the base 150, thereby to provide the integrated unitary storage assembly 100. There further are provided finishing panels 180 on either end of the storage assembly to improve the appearance thereof.

The details of the construction of the top 101 will now be described with particular reference to FIGS. 8 and 9 of the drawings wherein it will be seen that the top 101 includes a generally flat top plate 102 that is formed of sheet metal and is generally rectangular in shape, the corners thereof being rounded, the periphery of the top plane 102 being essentially the same as the periphery of the top 101. Disposed beneath the top plate 102 and extending around the periphery thereof is an edging 103 also formed of sheet metal, a substantially flat piece of sheet metal having been deformed to provide an attachment flange 104, a side flange 105, a mounting flange 106, a bottom flange 107 and an upturned flange 108. More specifically, the attachment flange 104 is dis posed against the underside of the top plate 102 but is spaced inwardly with respect to the outer edge thereof, the outer edge of the attachment flange 104 carrying thereon the mounting flange 106 which is offset downwardly away from the underside of the top plate 102 and extends outwardly slightly beyond the outer edge thereof. As illustrated, the side flange 105 is integral with the mounting flange 106 and depends therefrom and extends slightly inwardly toward the center of the top plate 102, the flange 105 making an angle of for example 75 with respect to the mounting flange 106. The bottom flange 107 is disposed on the lower edge of the side flange 105 and extends inwardly substantially parallel to the flanges 104 and 106 and carries on the inner end thereof the upturned flange 108 which extends upwardly toward the top plate 102 and is disposed substantially normal thereto and to the bottom flange 107.

Also disposed on the underside of the top plate 102 is a reinforcing sheet 110 formed from a substantially flat piece of sheet metal bent to provide attachment portions 111 and ribs (not shown) and a connecting portion 114 around the periphery thereof. The attachment portions 111 are disposed toward the underside of the top plate 102, there being a body of mastic 115 applied therebetween, the preferred mastic being a heat-curing mastic 4 sold under the trademark Presstite No. 719. The at tachment portions 111 are further connected to the top plate 102 and the connecting portions 114 also being secured to the top plate 102 and to the attachment flange 104 as by welding at 116.

Also mounted beneath the top 102 are two longitudinally extending and substantially parallel and spaced apart mounting channels 120, the forward one of the mounting channels being illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9 of the drawings. Each mounting channel 120 includes a longitudinally extending main wall 121 and a pair of depending side flanges 122 carrying on the lower ends thereof respectively inturned holding flanges 123. All of the storage units 160, 170 and 200 are mounted upon the top 101 by means of the mounting channels 120.

Disposed on the upper surface of the top plate 102 is a covering 125, preferably formed of a synthetic organic resin, the preferred materials being those sold under the trademarks Textolite, Micarta, and Formica. An adhesive is applied both to the upper surface of the top plate 102 and to the lower surface of the covering 125 to provide a good bond therebetween, the preferred adhesive being a synthetic rubber adhesive of the type such as that sold under the trademark D-SOO by Armstrong Cork Company, the two parts being oven heated to about 200 F. to drive off the volatile ingredients in the adhesive. The outer edge of the covering 125 extends slightly beyond the outer edge of the top plate 102.

To complete the top 101, a decorative trim is provided comprising a length of aluminum metal including a decorative body 131 having a rounded curved outer surface extending from adjacent to the upper surface of the covering 125 and downwardly below the upper edge of the edging 103. Integral with the body 131 is a mounting tongue 135, the mounting tongue 135 being curved and resiliently gripped between the lower surface of the top plate 102 and the upper surface of the mounting flange 106.

The storage assembly 100 also includes the generally rectangular base having -a generally rectangular front wall 151 extending the length of the storage assembly 100, a like rectangular rear Wall (not shown), and a pair of parallel generally rectangular side walls 152 interconnecting the front and rear walls, all of the parts named being firmly secured as by welding to provide the rigid base 150. There also is provided on the bottom of the base 150 a plurality of feet 153 (see FIG. 2) for supporting the base 150 upon an underlying support surface.

The storage unit or cabinet is disposed to the left in the storage assembly 100 as viewed in FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings and is in the form of a pedestal having mounted thereon a swinging door. The cabinet 160 more specifically comprises a body 161 having rear, side and bottom walls (not shown) and having the front thereof closed by a door 162 hingeclly mounted thereon on the left thereof. The door 162 is further provided with a pull 163 and a lock 164 for holding the door 162 in the closed position thereof.

The pedestal includes a body 171 having rear and side bottom walls (not shown) all mounted upon the base 150 and covered by the top 101. Disposed in the body 171 are four drawers 172, each of the drawers 172 being provided with a suitable pull 173.

Disposed on each end of the storage assembly 100 and covering the associated ends of the storage units extending from the top 101 downwardly to the base 150 are finishing panels 180. Each of the finishing panels includes a main panel 181 that is substantially flat, the front and rear edges of the main panel 181 carrying inwardly curved flanges 182 that in turn carry inturned flanges 183.

Finally, there is provided the cabinet or bookcase 200 disposed to the right of the storage assembly 100 as viewed in FIGS. 1 and 2. The cabinet 200 comprises a body 201 including a substantially rectangular rear wall (not shown), and a pair of substantially rectangular side walls 203 extending forwardly and disposed substantially perpendicular to the rear wall and parallel to each other. The forward edges of the side walls 203 carry inwardly directed front flanges 209 that extend substantially vertically and terminate in rearwardly directed flanges 208 (see FIGS. 4 and 5).

Disposed at the forward portion of the cabinet body 201 is a front frame 210 formed of a substantially U- shaped channel 211 having the legs thereof disposed vertically with the upper ends of the legs integrally joined to form the U-shape thereof, the channel 211 including a main wall 212 having a pair of side flanges 213 on the edges thereof. The lower ends of the U-shaped channel 211 are joined by a bottom channel 214 (see FIGS. 8 and 9), the channel 214 including a main wall 217 having an offset portion 218 and a pair of side flanges 219. The forward portions of the side walls 203 are suitably joined to the front frame 210 as by welding. The front end of the cabinet 200 is secured to the top 101 fundamentally by means of a plurality of bolts 148 extending through openings in the top portion of the channel 210 and engaging special nuts 140 disposed in the forward mounting channel 120, all as is illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9 of the drawings. The rear end of the cabinet 200 is similarly connected to the rear mounting channel 120' by like structure (not shown).

A bottom wall 230 is also provided in the cabinet 200' having flanges (not shown) suitably secured as by welding to the body 201. The forward portion of the bottom wall 230 carries a downturned flange 234 (see FIGS. 8 and 9) integral with which is a door support flange 235 carrying on the forward edge thereof an upturned flange 236. Finally, there is provided on the forward edge of the bottom wall 230 a front flange 237 extending downwardly and terminating in a rearwardly directed bottom flange 238. It will be noted that the bottom wall 230 rests upon the bottom channel main wall 217 whereas the door support flange 235 rests upon the offset 218 in the main wall 217, the door support flange 235 forming a part of the door track structure as will be described more fully hereinafter.

The front opening of the cabinet 200 defined by the front frame 210 is provided with the sliding door assembly so that this front opening can be closed when desired and selectively open when required. To this end three sliding doors 240, 260 and 280 have been provided in the front opening and mounted upon lower track structure 300 and upper track structure 310. The lefthand door 240 comprises a front panel 241 that is generally rectangular in shape and has a height to fill the space between the track structures 300 and 310 and a width to close approximately one-third of the opening in front of the cabinet 200. There is provided on each end of the side panel 241 a side flange 242 and on the upper edge thereof a top flange 243 and on the lower edge thereof a bottom flange 244. Disposed between and mounted upon the rear surface of the front panel 241 is a reinforcing sheet 245 that is corrugated in structure including a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart attachment portions 246 (see FIG. 5) between which are disposed Teinforcing ribs 247 having rearwardly converging side walls 248. The ends of the reinforcing sheet 245 are provided with end flanges 249 disposed within and abutting against the inner surfaces of the side flanges 242. and secured thereto as by welding. Preferably, a body of mastic (not shown) is disposed between each of the attachment portions 246 and the rear of the front panel 241 and welds are made therethrough to provide an unusually strong construction having good sound deadening properties. It further will be noted that the vertical extent of the reinforcing sheet 245 is substantially less than the vertical extent of the front panel 241, the reinforcing sheet 245 being ararnged substantially centrally in a vertical direction between the top flange 243 and the bottom flange 244 on the front panel 241.

In order to support the door 240 upon the associated track structure for sliding movement therealong, a pair of lubric glides 250 has been provided on the bottom flange 244, the glides 250 being preferably formed of a synthetic organic resin, such as a nylon resin. The lefthand side flange 242 is also provided with a pair of vertically spaced apart resilient bumpers 253 extending therefrom and in position to engage the adjacent flange 208 to cushion the movement of the door 240 to the fully closed position thereof. There also is provided on the top flange 243 a pair of longitudinally spaced apart upper lubric glides 254, also formed of a synthetic organic resin, such as a nylon resin, and adapted to engage baflie structure as will be described more fully hereinafter. Mounted on the forward surface of the front panel 241 is a pull 255 extending essentially vertically, disposed substantially midway of the vertical extent of the door 240 and suitably secured thereto as by screws.

The center door 260 is formed generally like the door 240 and includes a front panel 261 having rearwardly directed side flanges 262 on the edges thereof, a rearward- 1y directed flange 263 on the upper edge thereof and a rearwardly directed bottom flange 264 on the bottom edge thereof, the several flanges named being preferably joined by welding to provide a strong unitary structure. A corrugated reinforcing sheet 265 is provided on the rear surface of the front panel 261 disposed substantially centrally thereof and extending between the side flanges 262. The reinforcing sheet 265 includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart attachment portions 266 that are oriented generally vertically and are joined by ribs 267 having rearwardly converging side walls 268. Provided on the ends of the reinforcing sheet 265 are end flanges 269 that are disposed within the side flanges 262 and are secured thereto as by welding. Disposed between the attachment portions 266 and the rear surface of the front panel 261 are bodies of mastic (not shown) through which welds are made to provide a strong structure having good sound deadening properties.

In order to mount the door 260 on the associated truck structure for free sliding movement with respect thereto, a pair of longitudinally spaced apart lower glides 270 has been provided on the bottom flange 264 and a pair of longitudinally spacer apart upper glides 274 has been provided on the top flange 263, the glides 270 and 274 being formed of a lubric material such as a synthetic organic resin, the preferred resin being a nylon resin. Mounted on the lefthand end of the door 260 as viewed in FIG. 3 is a pair of forwardly extending pick-up arms 275 secured as by welding to the associated side flange 262 and being disposed so as to extend into the rear of the door 240 respectively above and below the reinforcing sheet 245 thereof for engagement with the inner surface of the adjacent side flange 242 which provide cooperating abutment surfaces therefor. In order to cushion the engagement between the doors 240 and 260, the pick-up arms 275 are provided with resilient bumpers 276, formed for example of rubber. There also is provided on the rear of the front panel 261 a pair of pick-up brackets 277 disposed respectively above and below the reinforcing sheet 265 and each including an attachment flange 278 connected as by welding to the front panel 261 and an integral abutment flange 279 extending rearwardly beyond the rearmost portion of the door 260.

The righthand door 280 is also formed like the door 240 and includes a generally rectangular front panel 281 having a pair of rearwardly directed side flanges 282 on the side edges thereof, a rearwardly directed top flange (not shown) on the upper edge thereof and a rearwardly directed bottom flange 284 on the lower edge thereof. Mounted on the rear surface of the front panel 281 is a corrugated reinforcing sheet 285 extending between the side flanges 282 and generally centered vertically but having a vertical extent less than that of the front panel 281. The reinforcing sheet 285 includes a plurality of Iongitudinally spaced apart vertically extending attachment portions 281 joined by ribs 287 having rearwardly converging side walls 288, the ends of the reinforcing sheet 285 being provided with end flanges 289 that fit within the side flanges 282 and are secured thereto as by welding. Disposed between the attachment portions 286 and the rear surface of the front panel 281 are bodies of mastic (not shown) through which welds are made to secure the reinforcing sheet 285 to the front panel 281, thus to provide a strong lightweight structure having good sound deadening properties.

In order to mount the door 280 upon the associated track structure, a pair of longitudinally spaced apart lower glides 290 has been provided on the bottom flange 284 and a pair of longitudinally spaced apart upper glides 294 has been provided upon the upper flange, the glides 290 and 294 being formed of a lubric material such as a synthetic organic plastic material, the preferred material being a nylon resin. The righthand side flange 282 is provided with a pair of vertically spaced apart resilient bumpers 293 thereon, formed for example of rubber, and adapted to abut against the adjacent channel main wall 212 to cushion the movement of the door 280 to the closed position thereof. There further is provided on the front surface of the front panel 281 a pull 295 secured thereto by a pair of screws, the pull 295 being disposed to the right as viewed from the front and adjacent to the side flange 282 that carries the bumpers 293. Attached to the lefthand side 282 and extending forwardly therefrom is a pair of pick-up arms 297 disposed adjacent to the upper and lower edges, respectively, of the door 280. The portions in the pick-up arms 297 disposed forwardly of the door 280 carry bumpers 298 that are disposed in the rear of the door 260 to engage abutment surfaces provided by the righthand side flange 262 and the abutment flanges 279. In this regard it is pointed out that the pickup arms 297 are disposed respectively above the below the reinforcing sheet 265 on the door 260.

The doors 240, and 260 and 280 are mounted for sliding movement in a lower track structure 300 and an upper track structure 310. As may be best Seen in FIGS. 8 and 9, the lower track structure 300 is provided by the door support flange 235 in the bottom wall 230 and the flanges 234 and 236 on either side thereof, there further being provided a channel 301 centrally of the support flange 245 and extending the inner length thereof. The channel 301 includes a main wall 302 suitably secured as by welding to the flange 235 and having extending upwardly from the longitudinally extending edges thereof side flanges 303. The flange 236 and the adjacent side flange 303 cooperate to provide a front or outer track 305, the side flanges 303 cooperate to provide a middle or center track 306 and the flange 234 and the adjacent side flange 303 combine to provide a rear or inner track 307. The upper track structure 310 is disposed vertically above the lower track structure 300 and includes an outer channel 311 extending along the top and within the front frame 210 and terminating at points spaced from the inner sides of; the channel 211, all as may be best seen in FIG. 4. The outer channel 311 comprises a main wall 312 that extends the entire length of the upper track structure 310 and is suitably secured as by Welding to the front frame 210 and specifically to the main wall 212 thereof. Integral with the longitudinally extending edges of the main wall 312 are dependent side flanges 313. Disposed centrally of the main wall 312 is an inner channel 314 including a main wall 318 extending the length of the main wall 312 and having on the longitudinally extending edges thereof a pair of dependent side flanges 319. The forward one of the side flanges 313 and the forward one of the side flanges 319 cooperate to provide an upper front or outer track 315; the side flanges 319 cooperate to provide an upper middle or center track 316 and the rear side flange 319 and the rear side flange 313 cooperate to provide an upper rear or inner track 317..

It will be understood that the lefthand door 240 is disposed in the outer track and specifically in the lower outer track 305 and the upper outer track 315 and is fundamentally supported upon the flange 235 by means of the lower lubric glides 250; the center door 260 is mounted in the center track and specifically in the lower center track 306 and the upper center track 316 and is fundamentally supported upon the main wall 302 by the lower glides 270 thereon; and the righthand door 280 is supported in the inner track and specifically in the lower inner track 307 and the upper inner track 317 and is fundamentally supported upon the flange 235 by means of the lower glides 290 thereon. When the doors are so arranged, the pick-up arms 275 are disposed in the rear of the door 240 and are positioned respectively above and below the reinforcing sheet 245 thereof to engage either one of the side flanges 242 serving as abutment surfaces therefor. The pick-up arms 297 on the door 280 eXtend forwardly into the rear of the door 260 respectively above and below the reinforcing sheet 265 thereof in position to engage either the righthand flange 262 serving as a first abutment surface or the abutment flange 279 on one of the pick-up brackets 277 forming a second abutment surface. Because of this arrangement, all of the doors may be moved to the right, for example, by grasping the pull 25S and moving it to the extreme righthand position, and conversely, all of the doors can be again returned to a closed position by simply moving the pull 255 to the lefthandmost position thereof, all with a single continuous movement; likewise, all of the doors can be moved to the left by grasping the pull 295 and moving it as far as it will go to the left, and conversely, all of the doors can be returned to the closed position thereof by simply moving the pull 295 to the righthandmost position thereof, all with a single continuous movement.

More specifically, when the pull 255 is grasped and moved toward the right, the pick-up arms 275 are ultimately engaged by the lefthandmost side flange 242 after which the door 240 and the door 260 are moved as a unit until the pick-up arms 297 engage the abutment flange 279, this occurring just before the righthand side flange 262 would engage the pull 295. All of the doors are now in the righthand position and have been placed therein by a single movement of the pull 255 to the right; it will be understood that provision of the bumpers 276 and 298 upon the pick-up arms 275 and 297, respectively has cushioned the various contacts among the doors, and the lower lubric glides have made such movement of the doors quiet and smooth. All of the doors can again be moved to the closed position by simply moving the pull 255 toward the left. In so doing, the pick-up arms 275 are engaged by the righthand flange 242 after a suitable movement of the door 240 to the left, after which the doors 240 and 260 are moved as a unit until the righthand flange 262 contacts the pick-up arms 297 and the bumpers 253 engage the associated side flange 208. All of the doors in a like manner can be moved to the left by grasping the pull 295 and moving it to the left. In such action, the pick-up arms 297 after a suitable movement of the door 280 contact the abutment flanges 279 and thereafter the doors 280 and 260 move as a unit until ultimately the pick-up arms 275 strike the lefthand side flange 242 on the door 240; all of the doors are now in the lefthand position and have been placed therein by a single movement of the pull 295 to the left; all of the doors can then be moved to the fully closed position by a single movement of the pull 295 to the right, the pickup arms 297 engaging the righthand side flange 262 after a suitable movement of the door 280 after which the door 280 and the door 260 move together until the pick-up arms 275 strike the righthand side flange 242 and the bumpers 293 engage the frame main wall 212.

Further details of construction of the storage assembly 100, the top 101, the base 150, the cabinet 160, the pedestal 170, the finishing panel 180, and the cabinet 200 including the doors 240, 260 and 280 thereof and the track structures 300 and 310 are set forth in the copending application for United States Letters Patent Ser. No. 538,423, filed Mar. 29, 1966, by Kenneth D. Schreyer, for Storage Construction, the description thereof being incorporated herein by reference.

In accordance with the present invention, structure is provided to lock the sliding doors 240, 260 and 280 in the closed positions thereof illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 and positively to prevent removal of the sliding doors from the associated track structure when the doors are in the closed and locked positions thereof. First of all it is pointed out that in the absence of battle structure to be described hereinafter, the sliding doors 240, 260 and 280 can be readily mounted in and removed from the associated track structure therefor. Referring specifically to FIG. 9 and to the mounting of the center door 260, it will be noted that when the center door 260 is lifted upwardly, the lower end thereof and specifically the lower glides 270 clear the upper portions of the lower track structure 300, whereby the lower end of the door 260 can be swung outwardly and beyond the forward edge of the bottom wall 230, after which the center door 260 can be bodily dropped downwardly so as to remove the upper end thereof from the upper track structure 310. As a consequence, the center door 260 is completely removed from the track structures 300 and 310 therefor. In order to mount the center door 260 in the track structures 300 and 310, the above described steps are simply reversed, thereby to insert or mount the center door 260 in the track structures 300 and 310 therefor. The end doors 240 and 280 can be likewise mounted upon and removed from the track structures 300 and 310 in a like manner.

However, when it is desired to lock the doors in the closed positions thereof, it is highly undesirable that the doors be removable from the track structures 300 and 310 in the manner described above, and to this end there have been provided a first pair of bafiles 320 and 325 cooperatin with the outer door 240 and a second pair of bafiles 320 and 325 cooperating with the inner door 280 when the doors are in the closed positions thereof. Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, it will be seen that the lefthand outer baffle 320 includes an attachment portion 321 that is secured as by welding to the main wall 312 and integral therewith is an abutment surface 322 disposed in the track 315 and terminating in an end flange 323 directed upwardly. The lefthand inner bafile 325 includes a pair of attachment portions 326 suitably secured as by Welding to the main wall 312 and attached thereto and extending downwardly therefrom and secured in position is an abutment member 327 within the track 315. A like pair of baffles 320 and 325 is provided in the upper inner track 317 to the right as viewed in FIGS. 3 and 4.

More specifically, when the lefthand or outer door 240 is in the closed position thereof, the upper glides 254 thereon are disposed in vertical alignment with the abutment surfaces 322 and 327 respectively on the baffles disposed in the lefthand end of the track 315. Any effort to raise the door 240 upwardly in a direction to permit removal thereof from the track structure immediately places the glides 254 in contact with the abutment members 322 and 327, thereby positively to prevent removal of the door 240 from the track structure when the door 240 is in the closed position thereof. It will be appreciated, however, that movent of the door 240 to the righthand portion of the track structure, i.e., to a position where the glides 254 are out of alignment with both of the lefthand baffles 320 and 325, will permit the door 240 to be lifted upwardly to a position such that it can be readily removed from the track structure in the usual manner described above.

Likewise, when the righthand door 280 is in the closed position thereof, the upper glides 294 thereon are disposed in vertical alignment with the abutment surfaces 322 and 327 respectively on the baffles disposed in the righthand end of the upper inner track 317. Any effort to raise the door 280 upwardly in a direction to permit removal thereof from the track structure immediately places the glides 294 in contact with the associated abutment members 322 and 327, thereby positively to prevent removal of the door 280 from the track structure when the door 280 is in the closed position thereof. It will be appreciated, however, that the movement of the door 280 to the lefthand portion of the track structure, i.e., to a position where the glides 294 are out of alignment with both of the righthand bat-fies 320 and 325, will permit the door 280 to be lifted upwardly to a position such that it readily can be removed from the track structure in the usual manner described above.

When the end doors 240 and 280 are in the closed positions and held there with the track structure by means of the baffles 320 and 325, the center door 260 is also looked on the track structure and cannot be removed therefrom. More specifically, the pick-up arms 275 and 297 engage the cooperating reinforcing sheets 245 and 265 and the cooperating bottom flanges 244 and 264 to prevent upward movement of the door 260, thereby positively to hold the door 260 in the operative position upon the track structure. In other words, holding the end doors 240 and 280 upon the track structure in the closed positions thereof likewise holds the center door 260 upon the track structure in the center or closed position thereof.

Finally, suitable lock structure is provided to hold the end doors 240 and 280 in the closed positions thereof with respect to the front frame 210. More specifically, the lefthand and outer door 240 is provided with a lock 330 that is key operated and includes a housing 331 generally cylindrical in shape and extending through aligned openings 241a and 247a in the front panel 241 and the rib 247, respectively. An enlargement 332 engages the front surface of the front panel 241 and the portion of the housing 331 to the rear thereof is threaded and receives a nut 333 to mount the lock 330 in the operative position. The lock 330 includes the usual key actuated cylinder to which is connected a shaft 334 extending rearwardly from the housing 331 and carrying thereon a latch 335 held in position by a bolt 336. The outer end of the latch 335 carries a hook 337 (see FIG. 3) engaging in keeper structure which consists of an opening 338 formed in the adjacent channel 211 fOrming a part of the front frame 210. When the parts are in the position illustrated in FIG. 3, the door 240 is held in the closed and locked position illustrated therein, the door 240 being held in the locked position on the track structures 300 and 310 by the baffles 320 and 325 disposed above the upper glides 254.

The righthand and inner door 280 is provided with a lock 340 like the lock 330 and that is key operated and includes a housing generally cylindrical in shape and extending through aligned openings in the front panel 281 and the rib 287, respectively. An enlargement engages the front surface of the front panel 281 and the portion of the housing to the rear thereof is threaded and receives a nut 343 to mount the lock 340 in the operative position. The lock 340 includes the usual key actuated cylinder to which is connected a shaft extending rearwardly from the housing and carrying thereon a latch 345 held in position by a bolt. The outer end of the latch 345 carries a hook 347 (see FIG. 3) engaging in an opening 348 formed in the adjacent channel 211 forming a part of the front frame 210. When the parts are in the position illustrated in FIG. 3, the door 280 is held in the closed and locked position illustrated therein, the door 280 being held in the locked position on the track structures 300 and 3.10 by the baffles 320 and 325 disposed above the glides 294.

From the above description it will be seen that there has been provided an improved cabinet construction incorporating therein an improved lock structure and an improved sliding door assembly, the various parts being formed essentially of sheet metal and being simple in construction and economical in operation. More specifically, the improved cabinet construction including the improved lock structure and the improved sliding door assembly, fulfill all of the objects and advantages set forth above.

While there has been described what is at present considered to be the preferred embodiment of the invention, it will be understood that various modifications may be made therein, and it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

I. A cabinet comprising a body including a rear wall and a pair of forwardly projecting side walls defining at the forward ends thereof a front opening therebetween, a front frame positioned at the forward ends of said side walls and disposed therebetween and completely surrounding said front opening and respectively secured to said side walls, a sliding door assembly mounted on said front frame for closing said front opening, said sliding door assembly including a track structure slidingly supporting a plurality of doors thereon movable between closed positions and open positions thereof, a first lock structure for securing one of the end ones of said doors to the adjacent portion of said front frame when said one is in the closed position thereof, and a second lock structure for securing the other one of the end ones of said doors to the adjacent portion of said front frame when said other door is in the closed position thereof, thus to secure all of said sliding doors in the closed positions thereof.

2. The cabinet set forth in claim 1, wherein said first lock structure is mounted on said one door and engages a keeper provided on one side of said front frame, and said second lock structure is mounted on said other door and engages a keeper provided in the other side of said front frame, thereby to prevent sliding movement of said doors on said track structure in the locked positions of said doors.

3. The cabinet set forth in claim 1, wherein each of said lock structures includes a lock cylinder mounted on the associated door and a latch extending outwardly therefrom, and said front frame comprises a U-shaped channel having a main wall disposed toward said doors and having openings therein for receiving said latches firmly to secure said doors in the closed positions thereof when said latches engage in said openings.

4. A cabinet comprising a body including a rear wall and a pair of forwardly extending side walls defining at the forward ends thereof a front opening therebetween, a front frame positioned at the forward ends of said side walls and disposed therebetween and completely surrounding said front opening and respectively secured to said side walls, a track structure extending substantially the width of said front opening and providing at least an inner track and an outer track, a first sliding door mounted in said inner track for sliding movement therealong, a second sliding door mounted in said outer track for sliding movement therealong, first lock structure for securing said first door to one side of said front frame in a locked position, thereof, second lock structure for securing said second door to the other side of said front frame in a locked position thereof, said first door when disposed toward said other side of said front frame being shiftable upwardly in said inner track to clear the lower end of said first door from said track structure to permit ready removal and insertion of said first door therein, said second door when disposed toward said one side of said front frame being shiftable upwardly in said outer track to clear the lower end of said second door from said track structure to permit ready removal and insertion of said second door therein, first baifie structure mounted in said inner track and engaging said first door when said first door is adjacent to said one side of said front frame to prevent upward movement of said first door with respect to said track structure thereby to hold said first door in said track structure when said first door is in the locked position thereof, and second bafile structure mounted in said outer track and engaging said second door when said second door is adjacent to the other side of said front frame to prevent upward movement of said second door with respect to said track structure thereby to hold said second door in said track structure when said second door is in the locked position thereof.

5. The cabinet set forth in claim 4, and further comprising a pair of lubric glides mounted on each of said sliding doors for engaging the associated bafile structure when the door is in the locked position thereof.

6. The cabinet set forth in claim 4, wherein said inner track includes a lower track member and an pper track member, said outer track includes a lower track member and an upper track member, said first bafi'le structure is mounted in said inner upper track member for engaging the upper end of said first door in the locked position thereof and said second baffle structure is mounted in said outer upper track member to engage the upper end of said second door in the locked position thereof.

7. The cabinet set forth in claim 4, and further comprising a first pair of glides mounted on the bottom of each of said doors for supporting the associated door upon the associated track, said inner track including a lower track member and an upper track member, said outer track including a lower track member and an upper track member, said first baffle structure being mounted in said inner upper track member adjacent to said one side of said front frame, said second baffle structure being mounted in said outer upper track member adjacent to the other side of said front frame, and a second pair of glides mounted on the top of each of said doors and in vertical alignment with the associated bafile structure when the associated door is in the locked position thereof.

8. A cabinet comprising a body including a rear wall and a pair of forwardly extending side Walls defining at the forward ends thereof a front opening therebetween, a front frame positioned at the forward ends of said side walls and disposed therebetween and completely surrounding said front opening and respectively secured to said side walls, a track structure extending substantially the width of said front opening and providing an inner track and an outer track and a center track disposed therebetween, a first sliding door mounted on said inner track for sliding movement therealong, a second sliding door mounted on said center track for sliding movement therealong, a third sliding door mounted on said outer track for sliding movement therealong, first lock structure for securing said first door to one side of said front frame in a locked position thereof, second lock structure for securing said third door to the other side of the front frame in a locked position thereof, said first door when disposed toward said other side of said front frame being shiftably upwardly in said inner track to clear the lower end of said first track from said track structure to permit ready removal and insertion of said first door therein, said third door when disposed toward said one side of said front frame being shiftable upwardly in said outer track to clear the lower end of said third door from said track structure to permit ready removal and insertion of said third door therein, pick-up structure interconnecting said second door and said first and third doors to cause coordinated movement thereof, first bafile structure mounted in said inner track and disposed above said first door when said first door is adjacent to said one side of said front frame to prevent upward movement of said first door with respect to said track structure thereby to hold said first door in said track structure When said first door is in the locked position thereof, said second baffle structure mounted in said outer track and disposed above said third door when said third door is adjacent to the other side of said front frame to prevent upward movement of said third door with respect to said track structure thereby to hold said third door in said track structure when said third door is in the locked position thereof, said pick-up structure serving to hold said second door in said center track when said first and third doors are in the locked positions thereof.

9. The cabinet set forth in claim 8, and further comprising a pair of lubric glides mounted on said first door and a pair of lubric glides mounted on said third door and disposed below the associated bafiie structures when said doors are in the locked positions thereof.

10. The cabinet set forth in claim 8, wherein said inner track includes a lower track member and an upper track member, said outer track includes a lower track member andan upper track member, said first baflle structure is mounted in said inner upper track member and disposed above the upper end of said first door in the locked position thereof, and said second bafiie structure is mounted in said outer upper track member and disposed above the upper end of said third door in the locked position thereof.

11. The cabinet set forth in claim 8, and further comprising a first pair of glides mounted on the bottom of each of said first and third doors for supporting the associated door upon the associated track, said inner track including a lower track member and an upper track member, said outer track including a lower track member and an upper track member, said first baffie structure being mounted in said inner upper track member adjacent to said one side of said front frame, said second bafiie structure being mounted in said outer upper track member adjacent to the other side of said front frame, and a second pair of glides mounted on the top of each of said first and third doors and in vertical alignment with the associated bafiie structure when the associated door is in the locked position thereof.

12. The cabinet set forth in claim 8, wherein said pickup structure includes a first pick-up arm mounted adjacent to one end of said first door and extending forwardly toward the rear side of said second door, a first abutment surface disposed adjacent to the end of said second door disposed adjacent to said first door and a second abutment surface disposed adjacent to the other end of said second door, said first pick-up arm being disposed between said first and second abutment surfaces for abutting engagement therewith upon relative sliding movement between said first and second doors, a second pick-up arm mounted adjacent to the other end of said second door and extending forwardly toward the rear of said third door, an a third abutment surface disposed adjacent to the end of said third door disposed adjacent to said secon door and a fourth abutment surface disposed adjacent to the other end of said third door, said second pick-up arm being disposed between said third and fourth abutment surfaces for abutting engagement therewith upon relative sliding movement between said second and third doors, said first pick-up arm engaging said first abutment surface and said second pick-up arm engaging said third abutment surface when said doors are in the locked positions thereof to hold said second door in operative position upon said center track.

13. A sliding door assembly for closing the front opening in a cabinet having a front frame completely surrounding the front opening and having keeper structure on the opposed sides thereof, said sliding door assembly comprising a track structure extending substantially the width of the associated front opening and providing at least an inner track and an outer track, a first sliding door mounted on said inner track for sliding movement therealong, a second sliding door mounted on said outer track for sliding movement therealong, first lock structure mounted on said first door for engagement with the keeper on one side of the associated front frame to hold said first door in a locked position, second lock structure mounted on said second door for engagement with the keeper on the other side of the associated front frame to hold said second door in a locked position, said first door when disposed toward the other side of the associated front frame being shiftable upwardly in said inner track to clear the lower end of said first door from said track structure to permit ready removal and insertion of said first door therein, said second door when disposed toward the one side of the associated front frame being shiftable upwardly in said outer track to clear the lower end of said second door from said track structure to permit ready removal and insertion of said second door therein, first bafiie structure mounted on said inner track and engaging said first door when said first door is adjacent to the one side of the associated front frame to prevent upward movement of said first door with respect to said track structure thereby to hold said first door in said track structure when said first door is in the locked position thereof, and second bafiie structure mounted on said outer track and engaging said second door when said second door is adjacent to the other side of the associated front frame to prevent upward movement of said second door with respect to said track structure thereby to hold said second door in said track structure when said second door is in the locked position thereof.

14. The sliding door assembly set forth in claim 13, and further comprising a pair of lubric glides mounted on each of said sliding doors for engaging the associated baffle structure when the door is in the locked position thereof.

15. The sliding door assembly set forth in claim 13, wherein said inner track includes a lower track member and an upper track member, said outer track includes a lower track member and an upper track member, said first baffle structure is mounted in said inner upper track member for engaging the upper end of said first door in the locked position thereof, and said second baffie structure is mounted in said outer upper track member to engage the upper end of said second door in the locked position thereof.

16. The sliding door assembly set forth in claim 13, and further comprising a first pair of glides mounted on the bottom of each of said doors for supporting the associated door upon the associated track, said inner track including a lower track member and an upper track member, said outer track including a lower track member and an upper track member, said first bafiie structure being mounted in said inner upper track member adjacent to the one side of the associated front frame, said sec-ond baffle structure being mounted in said outer upper track member adjacent to the other side of the associated front frame, and a second pair of glides mounted on the top of each of said doors in vertical alignment with the associated baflie structure when the associated door is in the locked position thereof.

17. A sliding door assembly for closing the front opening in a cabinet having a front frame completely surrounding the front opening and having keeper structure on opposed sides thereof, said sliding door assembly comprising a track structure extending substantially the width of the associated front opening and providing an inner track and an outer track and a center track disposed therebetween, a first sliding door mounted on said inner track for sliding movement therealong, a second sliding door mounted on said center track for sliding movement therealong, a third sliding door mounted on said outer track for sliding movement therealong, first lock structure mounted on said first door for engagement with the keeper on one side of the associated front frame to hold said first door in a locked position thereof, second lock structure mounted on said third door for engagement with the keeper on the other side of the associated front frame to hold said second door in a locked position thereof, said first door when disposed toward the other side of the associated front frame being shiftable upwardly in said inner track to clear the lower end of said first door from said track structure to permit ready removal and insertion of said first door therein, said third door when disposed toward the one side of the associated front frame being shiftable upwardly in said outer track to clear the lower end of said second door from said track structure to permit ready removal and insertion of said third door therein, pick-up structure interconnecting said second door and said first and third doors to cause co-ordinated movement thereof, first bafiie structure mounted in said inner track and disposed above said first door when said first door is adjacent to the one side of the associated front frame to prevent upward movement of said first door with respect to said track structure thereby to hold said first door in said track structure when said first door is in the locked position thereof, and second baffle structure mounted on said outer track and disposed above said third door when said third door is adjacent to the other side of the associated front frame to prevent upward movement of said third door with respect to said track structure thereby to hold said third door in said track structure when said third door is in the locked position thereof, said pick-up structure serving to hold said second door in said center track when said first and third doors are in the locked positions thereof.

18. The sliding door assembly set forth in claim 17, and further comprising a pair of lubric glides mounted on each of said first and third sliding doors and disposed below the associated baffle structure when the doors are in the locked positions thereof.

19. The sliding door assembly set forth in claim 17, wherein said inner track includes a lower track member and an upper track member, said outer track includes a lower track member and an upper track member, said first baffle structure is mounted in said inner upper track member and disposed above the upper end of said first door in the locked position thereof, and said second bafile structure is mounted in said outer upper track member and disposed above the upper end of said third door in the locked position thereof.

20. The sliding door assembly set forth in claim 17, and further comprising a first pair of glides mounted on the bottom of each of said doors for supporting the associated door upon the associated track, said inner track including a lower track member and an upper track member, said outer track including a lower track member and an upper track member, said first baffle structure being mounted in said inner upper track member adjacent to the one side of the associated frame, said second baffie structure being mounted in said outer upper track member adjacent to the other side of the associated front frame, and a second pair of glides mounted on the top of each of said first and third doors in vertical alignment with the associated baffie structure when the associated door is in the locked position thereof.

21. The sliding door assembly set forth in claim 17, wherein said pick-up structure includes a first pick-up arm mounted adjacent to one end of said first door and extending forwardly toward the rear side of said second door, a first abutment surface disposed adjacent to the end of said second door disposed adjacent to said first door and a second abutment surface disposed adjacent to the other end of said second door, said first pick-up arm being disposed between said first and second abutment surfaces for abutting engagement therewith upon relative sliding movement between said first and second doors, a second pickup arm mounted adjacent to the other end of said second door and extending forwardly toward the rear of said third door, and a third abutment surface disposed adjacent to the end of said third door disposed adjacent to said second door and a fourth abutment surface disposed adjacent to the other end of said third door, said second pick-up arm being disposed between said third and fourth abutment surfaces for abutting engagement therewith upon relative sliding movement between said second and third doors, said first pick-up arm engaging said first abutment 70 surface and said second pick-up arm engaging said third abutment surface when said doors are in the locked positions thereof to hold said second door in the operative position upon said center track.

22. A cabinet comprising a body including a rear wall and a pair of forwardly projecting side walls defining at the forward ends thereof a front opening therebetween, a front frame positioned at the forward ends of said side walls and disposed therebetween and completely surrounding said front opening and respectively secured to said side walls, a sliding door assembly mounted on said front frame for closing said front opening, said sliding door assembly including a track structure slidingly supporting a plurality of doors thereon movable between closed positions and open positions thereof, a pair of lock structures for respetcively securing the end ones of said doors to the adjacent portions of said front frame when the doors are in the closed positions thereof, thus to secure all of said sliding doors in the closed positions thereof, at least one intermediate door disposed between said end doors and filling the space therebetween when said end doors are in the closed positions thereof, and interconnecting structure mounted on said doors and holding said intermediate door in the closed position thereof upon said track structure when said end doors are locked in the closed positions thereof.

23. A cabinet comprising a body including a rear wall and a pair of forwardly projecting side walls defining at the forward ends thereof a front opening therebetween, a front frame positioned at the forward ends of said side walls and disposed therebetween and completely surrounding said front opening and respectively secured to said side walls, a sliding door assembly mounted on said front frame for closing said front opening, said sliding door assembly including a track structure slidingly supporting a plurality of doors thereon movable between closed positions and open positions thereof, a pair of lock structures for respectively securing the end ones of said doors to the adjacent portions of said front frame when the doors are in the closed positions thereof, thus to secure all of said sliding doors in the closed positions thereof, and bafile brackets associated with said end doors and preventing removal thereof from said track structure when said end doors are in the closed positions thereof.

24. A cabinet comprising a body including a rear wall and a pair of forwardly projecting side walls defining at the forward ends thereof a front opening therebetween, a front frame positioned at the forward ends of said side walls and disposing therebetween and completely surrounding said front opening and respectfully secured to said side walls, a sliding door assembly mounted on said front frame for closing said front opening, said sliding door assembly including a track structure slidably supporting a plurality of doors thereon movable between closed positions and open positions thereof, and bafile brackets associated with said end doors and preventing removal thereof from said track structure when said end doors are in the closed position thereof.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,821,674 9/1931 Sharpiro 49-453 X 2,192,519 3/1940 King 49-453 2,323,870 7/1943 Kaliska 70-78 X 2,877,511 3/1959 Viola. 3,017,233 1/ 1962 Gates. 3,208,111 9/1965 Grossman 49-453 X 3,238,003 3/1966 Stark 312-219 3,307,895 3/1967 Renner et al 312-295 FOREIGN PATENTS 812,567 4/ 1959 Great Britain.

JAMES T. MCCALL, Primary Examiner.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION PatentNo. 3,410,622 November 12, 1968 Edward C., Stewart It is certified that error appears in the above identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 1, line' 66, "respect should read" aspect' same line 66, after "invention insert there is provided-rlines 66'and. 67, cancel "in connection" witha";" Column 2., line 56, "an" should. read..e- .and. Column 3, line 43, "plane" should read plate Column 6, line 44 "spacer" should read spaced Column 7, line 37',- "the" should read and Column 9, line 65, "movent" should read movement Column 11, line 24, after "one 'insert door Column" l2,yline'.53, shiftably" shouldzreadr shiftable Column 13', line-47, "an" should read and Column 16, line 12, "respetcively should'read"=-'respectively line 55, "position" should read positions (SEAL) Attest:

Edward M. Fletcher, Jr. WILLIAM E. Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents Signed'and sealed this lOth'daY' of March 1970. 

